Introducing GMP’s latest Tactical Dog Unit duo, Brandon, and Tommy, tackling crime around Greater Manchester

PC Brandon Adams is one of three new recruits to join Greater Manchester Police’s Tactical Dog Unit in February and will be celebrating six years with the force in March.

Tommy, a five-year-old German Sheppard, is PC Adams’ trusty partner, with the duo tackling crime across the region.

However, though they are a force-wide resource, the duo tend to work in the Rochdale and Oldham areas of Greater Manchester. PC Adams knows Rochdale well, having previously spent time in the area as a response officer.

The role of a dog handler can involve serious 999 emergency calls, an element of the job that PC Adams enjoys.

“I’ve always wanted to be a police dog handler because, since joining the police, I’ve enjoyed front facing roles,” he said. “I like being out and about in the public and I like responding to 999 emergency calls.”

PC Adams and Tommy became operational as a team in October and have since had some great jobs, but one particularly sticks out for PC Adams. The duo detained two suspects in a stolen vehicle, which had several dangerous items in it.

“We work closely with TVIU [Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit]. We had a pursuit of a vehicle in Oldham, the vehicle crashed,” he reminisced. “After the vehicle crashed, Tommy was released.

 

 

“Tommy detained one of the suspects in the field, and then the other suspect was running. With the help of NPAS [National Police Air Service], we managed to get both suspects, and both were arrested.

“What was key was that this vehicle was stolen and with the vehicle there were knives, hammers, you name it, whatever you need to break into a house with, they had it in this stolen car.”

What made the job more impressive, was one of the two suspects arrested by the duo was released from prison that morning.

After a hard day’s work, it’s important for both the handler and dog to enjoy their time at home. Luckily for police dogs, they live with their handlers and can shut off from crime for a period.

Speaking about the ease of his work-life balance, PC Adams said: “It’s easy to get the work-life balance really with Tommy because he’s such a lovely dog. You can take him on walks, he can associate with different people. He’s pleasant, he’s nice to meet. And he knows when he comes to work, it’s his time to switch on, but when he’s at home, it’s his time to relax.”